2023–2026

Triennium Timeline

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

The following clickable infographic provides information on how a congregation can, in each phase of the Synod’s triennial cycle, arrange for its representation, make nominations, and propose district and Synod actions through overture submission.

The timeline below provides convention-related information and deadlines, specific to the current triennium, to enable all congregations, congregation members, and individual members of the Synod to participate fully.

Informational Poster Important Dates

*Informed Participation

Update Stats & Lay Leaders in January and February of each year so that your congregation’s leaders receive timely, emailed information and reminders.

Representation

**Representation

Multi-congregation parishes are represented as a unit.

Informational Poster

This poster illustrates the stages of Synod's governance process, and it was developed for your congregation to use in preparation for the national convention.

Download poster

Important dates and deadlines

When and Who	Process Ongoing	Stages
Jan. 18 to Oct. 18, 2025 Congregation Members	Submit nominations for Synod Secretary and convention-elected boards and commissions	4B
Until Oct. 18, 2025 Congregations; Circuit Forums	Circuit Forums meet to elect voting delegates to the Synod Convention. Before they meet, congregations need to select representation and may make nominations or submit overtures	3A, 3B, 3C
Until Oct. 18, 2025 Advisory Individual Members	Select for each district the nonvoting advisory delegates to the Synod Convention	Bylaws 3.1.3-3.1.3.2
Jan. 15–17, 2026, meeting Feb. 18, 2026, report deadline Committee for Convention Nominations	Committee meets and selects candidates for Synod Secretary, convention-elected boards and commissions from submitted nominations (district conventions elect members)	Bylaw 3.12
Oct. 18, 2025, to Feb. 18, 2026 Congregations	Submit nominations for President, First Vice-President, and Regional Vice-President	4C
Oct. 18, 2025, to March 8, 2026 Congregations	Register Voters for President of the Synod (replacements for already-registered voters accepted until May 29, 2026)	4A
Until Feb. 28, 2026 (preferably before Feb. 1, 2026) Congregations and others	Submit overtures and reports for consideration by the Synod convention	4D Bylaws 3.1.6–3.1.6.2
Until May 16, 2026	Submit comments to the Secretary on reports and overtures in Convention Workbook (published by April 25, 2026), for consideration by floor committees.	Bylaw 3.1.8 (c)
May 29 to June 1, 2026 Floor Committees	Floor Committee Weekend (TENTATIVE)	4A Bylaw 3.1.7
June 6–30, 2026 Congregation Pres. Voters	President Election (candidates identified by Feb. 28, 2026; result announced by July 4, 2026)	4A
Until July 11, 2026	Submit comments to the Secretary on resolutions in Today’s Business, First Edition (published by June 8, 2026)	Bylaw 3.1.8.1 (a)
July 17–18, 2026	Floor Committee Closed and Open Hearings	Bylaw 3.1.8.1
July 18–23, 2026	69th Regular Convention of the Synod (Phoenix)	Bylaws 3.1.9, 3.12.3.6–7, 3.12.4–3.12.4.3

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